“We’re committed to implementing “Lean” business practices in State
Gov’t. There in lies the savings and
capital to invest in our tax structure. As you know the money
doesn’t fall from the sky as some may like
us to believe. A flat tax ultimately would be the fairest and
simplest approach. Shawn”

A. Rid State Government of the Biennial Budget Process: Whether it was Governors, McKernan (R) King (I) or Baldacci (D), it comes down to this. All three governors had to go back in the 2nd year of a 2 year (Biennial) Budget to plug the gaps and holes in spending. Why? Because giving a two year budget is like giving your kid $5.00 in a Candy Store. When it came to the Legislature, it spent like crazy.

B. Stop giving the Tourism Industry the welcome mat in Augusta: If Maine had done this when the Casino Bills were voted in referedum votes, Maine would have had one now, near the Candian Border, that would have had ALOT of Canadian Dollars (doing much better than our greenbacks), and the State would have weathered this storm just fine. Only one problem…the Tourism Lobby came into the Blaine House, and basically told the Governor what to do. Maine is MORE than just tourism, and I think it is time a Governor makes that clear. Tourism hasn’t solved all the problems in the Maine Economy, and while Casino’s aren’t the answer, beggars cannot be choosers, and because of Maine’s Apathy…their losers in that race.

C. Bring Maine’s Small Towns into the 21st Century: The rural character of Maine Towns are fine, but in this day of age, it is a very expensive proposition to run small rural towns. This isn’t just a “Maine Thing”, it’s happening in every state. If Maine is going to survive better than it is now, an industrial rebirth to some extent is necessary to make these small towns better able to live in for all Maine citizens is important. Anything else is keeping the status quo, which is a large outward migration from Maine.

D. Spend More on Economic Development: By spending less than one percent of the state budget on economic development, it isn’t surprising how economically depressed Maine is.

Just my opinion from someone who has lived in Maine several times, and feel that there needs to be changes. Hopefully, Shawn Moody can do better than past Independents, and insist on Change in State Capitol.

Their vision and the work they are doing speaks to the independent nature of many who live in Maine and, if their programs were implemented, would make us less dependant on large government/corporations for a good quality of life.

Good luck with your campaign.